Work surface device

ABSTRACT

A light-weight, portable, work surface device that functions as a lap desk, a work surface for a laptop computer, a bed tray, a book holder, a music stand, and a painting easel, for example is described. A first panel supports a workpiece, a second panel functions as an elevator support between the first and third panel, while the third panel serves a base. The rotably hinged three panels may be securely positioned at various work angles relative to each other and folded against each other. The device also provides a support for maintaining the workpiece at convenient positions on the first panel, and at least one receptacle adapted for holding a work tool, such as a pen, and at least one holder for holding a container, such as a cup. The base of the device is shaped to conform to a shape of a person&#39;s lap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a device that provides for awork surface and more particularly to a multipurpose, portable,adjustable, work surface for use on a lap, tabletop, or other supportsurface.

The background information discussed below is presented to betterillustrate the novelty and usefulness of the present invention. Thisbackground information is not admitted prior art.

It is frequently the case that when needed, a work surface is nothandily available. At other times, although available when needed, thework surface at hand is lacking in one or more required specificattributes. For example, a person wishing to write a letter while seatedcomfortably in an easy chair would require not only a hard work surfaceon which to position the writing paper, but, additionally, one thatcould be securely positioned at an angle comfortable for the user.Likewise, a bed-bound reader in a semi-inclined position would greatlybenefit not only from a surface to support the book being read, but froma work surface that would position the book at eyesight-level. Holding abook up to eye level, if the book is heavy, soon becomes an unpleasantchore instead of the pleasing activity it should be, especially if thematerial being read is an awkwardly oversized book or magazine.

Positioning a stiff board on one's lap is one way to provide a hardsupporting work surface on which to write or to hold reading material.Having such a board on one's lap, however, soon becomes uncomfortable asa rectilinear board does not conform to the shape constraints of mostlaps. Moreover, it would be difficult to maintain a board one's lap atan angle comfortable for reading or writing. The board could be held atan angle, by placing the broad on the user's crossed knees and situatingthe board so that it was tilted toward the user of the board, butsitting with one's legs crossed for any length of time can beuncomfortable and, in fact, is discouraged for health reasons.

Furthermore, even if the work surface provided by the board could bemaintained in an angled position, such as by being supported on apillow, there would be no means by which the workpiece, such as a pieceof writing paper or a book, could be maintained in a particularposition, such as one that would accommodate the specific needs of aright-handed or a left-handed person.

In addition to being desired for making reading and writing easier andmore comfortable, work surfaces are essential for persons wishing totake notes whether by hand or electronically, such as when attending alecture. The now nearly ubiquitous use of lap-top computers has createda need for lap-top computer work surfaces. Such a work surface wouldideally support the lap-top computer so that the computer's screen ismaintained at an angle that reduces eye strain, which is oftenencountered while working with a lap-top. Moreover, the surfacesupporting the lap-top should be able to be positioned to reduce wriststrain that often accompanies repetitive motion activities, such as whena lengthy piece of text must be keyed into the computer. Furthermore,the laptop work surface should be portable and also should becomfortable when positioned on a person's lap.

Work surface devices that provide comfortably positioned surfaces arealso desired when working on a newspaper offered crossword puzzle, tohold and position printed instructions for easy viewing while one'shands are occupied, such as while cooking, for instance. Well designedwork surfaces should also be able to make it easier and more pleasant towork on homework assignments, to embroider, draw, or paint, forinstance. Moreover, it is frequently necessary, or desirable, to have aportable, positionable tray or activity surface on hand, particularlywhen traveling or when confined in bed.

Some attempts to provide a work surface that meets at least some ofthese needs have been made, however these devices suffer from one ormore deficiencies, such as excessive bulk, being too heavy to carryconveniently, costly to manufacture, provide only one angle ofinclination at which a workpiece can be positioned and/or lackdirectional support for a workpiece, lack compact storage capability andare not readily portable.

Therefore, there is still exists a need for a lightweight, inexpensiveportable work surface device that offers working configurations atvarious inclinations, which will hold a workpiece in a convenientposition for both left- and right-handed persons, can be compactlystored, and offers ease of portability.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention discloses a novel, portable,multi-functional work surface device that can be used as a lap-desk orcan be placed on any type of support surface. The disclosed work surfaceis designed to be useful in a variety of applications, such as when aperson is sitting on a couch, an easy chair, a bed, in a car, anairplane, a train, a bus, on the floor, at a lecture, or outdoors.Additionally, the work surface is useful when placed upon another,essentially horizontal surface, to provide a work surface that is atsome convenient height from and at some convenient angle to a horizontalsurface.

In particular, the invention is an adjustable reading and writingworkpiece support system that permits a user to optimize a writing orreading support surface orientation to reduce muscle strain and tensionby allowing the user to maintain a relaxed and balanced postureorientation. Accordingly, the work surface of the work surface devicecan be easily and securely maintained at plurality of comfortable anglesand heights, or alternatively, may be positioned to provide anessentially flat work surface for use as a meal tray, for example.

Furthermore the disclosed invention provides means to securely positiona workpiece, such as a writing pad, paper, book, or the like at aplurality of desired angles on the work surface, which, as describedabove, is also positionable at a plurality of desired angles. Therefore,both a workpiece and the work surface can be simultaneously maintainedin a desired, stable position during a reading, writing, or during theperformance of some other function.

Additionally, the portable, lightweight, adjustable work surface deviceof the present invention, provides both a support surface and aworkspace for those who use a laptop computer, regardless of where thesurface and space is needed. The work surface member of the device islarge enough to hold both the keyboard part and the display part of alaptop so the user can move farther away from the monitor, helping toprevent eye fatigue.

The light weight of the device combined with its ergonomic design allowsthe work surface device to be held comfortably on one's lap for longperiods of time, if desired. The ergonomic feature of the device isachieved by providing for its base member to have an arcuate indentationin the edge of the base member intended to be adjacent to the body ofthe user of the work surface device.

Accordingly, the present invention provides for a work surface devicefor supporting a workpiece, comprising:

-   -   a. a first member having a first surface and a second surface,    -   b. a second member having a first side and a second side, which        sides may be construed as a first edge and a second edge, or as        a first part and a second part, for example, and    -   c. a base member, whereby    -   d. the first member is rotably hinged to the first side of the        second member, and    -   e. the third member is rotably hinged to the second side of the        second member, and furthermore, where the    -   f. the first member, the second member, and the third member are        hingedly adapted to be folded together, moreover    -   g. the first member and the second member are positionable at a        plurality of angles with each other and with the third member,        and additionally    -   h. the rotable hinge joints are adapted to securely position the        first member, the second member, and the third member in any one        of the plurality of angles, and    -   i. the third member is adapted to support the device on a        supporting surface.

The work surface device further comprises a support for supporting theworkpiece in various positions on the work surface of the first member.

The work surface device moreover comprises one or more receptacles forholding work tools, such as pencils, pens, paint brushes, and the like,and one or more holders for holding a container, such as a cup ofcoffee, water for use in water color painting, glue, and the like.

The holders for holding a container are detachably attached to thedevice and may be conveniently stored on the device when the device isnot in use or when it is closed for convenient storage or portability.

The base of the work surface device is ergonomically shaped to conformto a shape of a person's lap allowing for the device to be held on one'slap for extended periods of time without the device becominguncomfortable.

The device may be as lightweight or as heavy as desired, depending onthe materials from which the device is manufactured. The device may bemolded from a light-weight plastic or made from wood, metal, fiberglassor other material that will suit a user's needs.

The work surface device is functionally adapted to be securelypositioned at a desired height and at plurality of angles with eachother by a variety of securing means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that these and other objects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention may be more fully comprehended and appreciated, theinvention will now be described, by way of example, with reference tospecific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in appended drawingswherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout theseveral figures. It should be understood that these drawings depict onlytwo preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not thereforeto be considered limiting in scope. The invention will now be describedand explained with added specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective backside view of a preferred embodiment of thework surface device according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the work surface device in an open andrelatively up-right position, similar to that shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the work surface device, as shown in FIG.2, illustrating the lap-desk in a closed position.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the work surface device illustrating theworkpiece support in three positions: for use by a right-handed person,a left-handed person, and for horizontal support of a book or the like.

FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of another preferred embodiment of thework surface device according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the work surface device in an openposition, as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the work surface device, as shown in FIG.6, illustrating the lap-desk in a closed position.

DEFINITIONS

“Container” as used herein may refer to containers to hold tools, suchas pens, pencils, or brushes, containers for holding water for use withwater colors, or cups for a beverage, for example.

“Hinged” as used herein means to have attached by the use of hinges orto have furnished with hinges.

“Work tool” as used herein includes fountain pens, ball point pens,mechanical or non-mechanical pencils, markers, paint brushes, cuttingtools, or stylii that are used to make a mark in form of an impressionon contact, for example.

A list of aspects of the embodiment of the invention described to whichthe following reference numbers refer.

-   10 A preferred embodiment of the work surface device of the present    invention.-   12 First member of 10 serving as a working surface.-   12 a First side of first member 12.-   12 b Second side of first member 12.-   14 Second member of 10 serving as an elevator support.-   14 b A surface of second member 14.-   16 Third member of 10 serving as a base for the work surface device.-   16 b A surface of third member 16.-   18 A support means for a workpiece, such as a book, computer,    crossword puzzle,-   painting, and the like.-   18 a Support means 18 positioned for use by a right-handed person.-   18 b Support means 18 positioned for use by a left-handed person.-   18 d Alignment pins that are inserted into positioning holes 28 for    securing support means 18.-   20 Wire fulcrums for angular positioning of 14.-   22 Differential wire support for angular positioning of 12.-   28 Position holes for positioning support 18.-   30 a First holder means for holding a container, such as a cup or    the like.-   30 b Second holder means for holding a cup or the like.-   30 c Third holder means for holding a cup or the like.-   32 Storage space for holders 30 a, 30 b, or 30 c.-   34 a First support for holders 30 a, 30 b, or 30 c.-   34 b Second support for holders 30 a, 30 b, or 30 c.-   40 a First suspension grommet holder for holding a pen, pencil,    paint brush, or the like.-   40 b Second suspension grommet holder for holding a pen, pencil,    paint brush, or the like.-   42 a First rotable friction hinge.-   42 b Second rotable friction hinge.-   42 c Third rotable friction hinge.-   42 d Fourth rotable friction hinge.-   44 Ergonomically shaped curved indentation in base member 16 to    provide a comfortable and sturdy fit when indentation is placed    adjacent to the user of the work surface device.-   50 Another preferred embodiment of the work surface device as    described herein.-   60 a Support grooves for positioning differential wire support 22.-   60 b Support grooves for positioning differential wire support 22.-   60 c Support grooves for positioning differential wire fulcrum 20.-   60 d Support grooves for positioning differential wire fulcrum 20.-   62 a First rotable hinge.-   62 b Second rotable hinge.-   62 c Third rotable hinge.-   62 d Fourth rotable hinge.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale,for instance, depending on the desired use, the size of the first,second, and third planar section of the work surface device may varyfrom small for use by a child to large for use by an adult and still bewithin the teachings of the invention. Additionally, the pen and cupholders may be of various sizes and shapes depending on how they are, tobe used. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for anunderstanding of the present invention, or which render other detailsdifficult to perceive, may have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now, with more particularity, to the drawings, it should benoted that the disclosed invention is disposed to embodiments in varioussizes, shapes, and forms. Therefore, the embodiments described hereinare provided with the understanding that the present disclosure isintended as illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention tothe embodiments described herein.

The present invention is directed towards a light-weight, multipurpose,portable, adjustable, workpiece-positioning work surface device for useon a lap, tabletop, bed, or other support surface, whereby the worksurface device provides a surface for painting, drawing, eating, orreading, for example. The work surface device has many functions, suchas a lap desk, a work surface for a laptop computer, a bed tray, a bookholder, a music stand, and a painting easel. Moreover, the surface isdesigned to hold a book or other workpiece in a position that isconvenient while one is resting comfortably in a recliner. At othertimes, when one is busy working with one's hands, such as when preparinga recipe, potting a plant, or painting, the device securely positionsthe recipe or instructions in a position convenient for viewing whileworking. Additionally, the work surface has means to accommodate left-and right-handed writers, persons with small and large laps, and writerswho use a writing instrument such as a pen or pencil or a lap-topcomputer.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1, a perspective back view of anexemplary preferred embodiment, shows work surface device 10. Worksurface device 10, adapted for supporting a workpiece, comprises firstmember 12 having first surface 12 a and second surface 12 b, secondmember 14, and third member 16. Member 16 is adapted to function as abase for the device. First member 12 and third member 16 are shownrotably hinged by rotable friction hinges 42 a and 42 c, and hinges 42 band 42 d, respectively, to opposing sides of second member 14. Firstmember 12 and second member 14 may be positioned to any one of aplurality of angles with respect to each other and with respect to thethird member. Furthermore, the connections between the members arefunctionally adapted to securely hold, for as long as desired, saidfirst member, said second member, and said third member in any one ofsaid plurality of angles. It will be understood that the three membersof device 10 may be rotably connected using other now known or yet to beknown connecting techniques, to provide an example of such a connection,a description of a variation of a rotable connection is provided below.As illustrated, first member 12, second member 14, and base member 16are rotably, hingedly connected so as to be easily and rapidly foldedtogether in a compact manner for convenient storage and portability.

Second member 14 between first member 12 and third member 16 functionsas an elevator support providing the means to elevate and lower firstmember 12 relative to base member 16.

Work surface device 10 is provided with first suspension grommet holder40 a for holding a pen, pencil, paint brush, or the like and, ifdesired, device 10 may also be provided with a second suspension grommetholder 40 b also for holding a pen, pencil, paint brush, or the like.The number of grommet holders may be increased as required, if forinstance, a drafting artist needed to have several differently sizeddrafting pens readily available.

First holder 30 a, for holding a container, such as a cup, a vessel forholding pens, pencils, brushes, or the like, is shown positioned inholding part 34 a. Second holding part 34 b, as illustrated in FIG. 1,may be provided as desired for extra container holding capacity. Whenwork surface device 10 is to be folded for storage or for transport,holder parts, such as 30 b and 30 c, may be stored in storing holderpart 32. Holder parts, such as 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c may be provided indifferent sizes to accommodate differently-sized containers, and, ofcourse, may be used to hold any desired object besides a container.

One side of base member 16 is ergonomically shaped to conform to theshape of a person's lap. Curved indentation 44 provides for acomfortable and sturdy fit when indentation 44 is placed adjacent to theuser of work surface device 10 when the device is used as a lap desk.

FIG. 2, a side plan view, shows workpiece support member 12 securely andfirmly positioned in a close-to vertical orientation relative to basemember 16, which is shown in a horizontal orientation as it is likely tosit on a horizontally oriented support surface. Member 12 is heldsecurely in the nearly vertical position by the tightened wing nuts thatare positioned in friction hinges 42 a and 42 c. The height of workpiecesupport member 12 relative to base member 16 is determined by the angleat which elevator support member 14 is set. Elevator support member 14is held securely in its angled position by the tightened wing nuts thatare positioned in friction hinges 42 b and 42 d.

FIG. 2 also illustrates how a work instrument, such as the pencil shownin the figure, is supported ready for use by suspension grommet holder40 a.

FIG. 3, a side plan view of the device, shows how the three members ofwork surface device 10 fold relative to one another to provide for thedevice to be compactly closed for storage or transport.

FIG. 4, a front plan view of the device, illustrates workpiece support18 in three of many possible positions. Shown is support 18 positionedto hold a workpiece in a horizontal alignment, angled for theconvenience of a right-handed person, and angled for the convenience ofa left-handed person. Support 18 is securely positioned as desired bythe use of alignment pins that are affixed to support 18. Support 18 issecurely positioned by placing the alignment pins, such as alignment pin18 d, into desired positioning holes 28.

FIG. 5, a perspective backside view of another exemplary preferredembodiment, illustrates work surface device 50 adapted for supporting aworkpiece. Work surface device 50 is the same as work surface device 10in all respects except that the means for securing members 12, 14, and16 in various angles relative to each other comprises a systemconsisting of wire supports and support grooves in which the wires areplaced. Wire support 22 and support grooves 60 a and 60 b arefunctionally adapted to securely support member 12 when it is positionedat one of a plurality of possible angles relative to members 14 and 16.Wire fulcrum support 20 and support grooves 60 c and 60 d arefunctionally adapted for to provide support directly to member 14 andindirectly to member 12.

Work surface device 50 like work surface device 10 comprises firstmember 12 having first surface 12 a and second surface 12 b, secondmember 14 having second surface 14 b, and third member 16 having surface16 b. Member 16 functions as a base for the device. First member 12 andthird member 16 are shown rotably hinged by rotable hinges 62 a and 62b, and hinges 62 c and 62 d, respectively, to opposing sides of secondmember 14. As discussed above, first member 12 may be securelypositioned in any one of a plurality of angles with respect to secondmember 14 by positioning differential wire support 22 in any one ofsupport grooves 60 a and 60 b affixed to surface 14 b of second member14. Second member 14 may be securely positioned in any one of aplurality of angles with respect to third member 16 by positioningdifferential wire fulcrum support 20 in one of the plurality of supportgrooves 60 c and 60 d affixed to surface 16 b of third member 16.

Second member 14 between first member 12 and third member 16 functionsas an elevator support providing the means to elevate and lower firstmember 12 relative to base member 16.

Work surface device 10 is provided with first suspension grommet holder40 a for holding a pen, pencil, paint brush, or the like and secondsuspension grommet holder 40 b also for holding a pen, pencil, paintbrush, or the like. And, as mentioned above, the number of grommets maybe increased to meet the needs of the user.

First holder 30 a for holding a container, such as a cup, or the like,is shown positioned in holding part 34 a. Second holding part 34 b, asillustrated in FIG. 1, may be provided as desired for extra containerholding capacity. When work surface device 10 is to be folded forstorage or for transport, holder parts, such as 30 b and 30 c, may bestored in storing holder part 32 as illustrated in the example.Container holding parts, such as 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c may be provided indifferent sizes to accommodate differently-sized containers, and, ofcourse, may be used to hold any desired object besides a container.

Base member 16 is ergonomically shaped to conform to the shape of aperson's lap. Curved indentation 44 provides for a comfortable andsturdy fit when indentation 44 is placed adjacent to the user of worksurface device 10 when it is used as a lap-desk or as a work surface.

FIG. 6, a side plan view, shows workpiece support member 12 securely andfirmly positioned in a nearly vertical orientation relative to basemember 16, which is shown in a horizontal orientation. Member 12 is heldsecurely in the nearly vertical position by positioning the supportwires in the support grooves, as discussed above, while its height abovemember 16 is determined by the angle at which elevator support member 14is set. FIG. 6 also illustrates how a work instrument, such as thepencil shown in the figure, is supported ready for use by suspensiongrommet holder 40 a.

FIG. 7, a side plan view of the work surface device of the presentinvention, shows how the three members of work surface device 10 foldrelative to one another to provide for the device to be compactly closedfor storage or transport.

Work surface device 10, adapted for supporting a workpiece, isfunctionally adapted to be used in a variety of ways. It iscontemplated, though, that first surface 12 a of first member 12 mostlikely will be used to support a workpiece, such as a book or a piece ofpaper to be used for writing, drawing, painting, or the like, at aheight and at an angle that is comfortable, convenient, and at timesrequired by the desired use. It will be understood that the deviceserves to support any kind of suitable workpiece where the position ofthe workpiece is important. As was discussed, the workpiece supportingsurface 12 a may be raised and lowered relative to the base member ofthe device and may simultaneously be positioned in a plurality of angledpositions to meet the requirements of the user. Third member 16 is usedas a sturdy support for the device whether the device is supported by ahard support surface such as a table or work bench, if the device isplaced on one's lap, or if the device is used on a bed or chair as awork or eating tray for those who are confined to a bed or chair, forexample.

With respect to the device as illustrated in FIG. 1, first member 12 maybe securely held in any one of a plurality of angled positions by firstloosening the wing nuts functionally related to rotable, friction,hinges 42 a and 42 c, positioning first member 12 as desired, and thentightening the wing nuts. Once the nuts are hand-tightened the frictionhinges are designed to hold the members in any set position.

If a user wishes to elevate workpiece supporting surface 12, secondmember 14 located between first member 12 and third member 16, is set tothe angled position that will achieve the desired height by looseningthe winged nuts functionally related to the friction hinged bolts 42 band 42 d, angularly positioning member 14 with respect to member 16 toraise or lower member 12 to the desired work height, and then tighteningthe winged nuts to hold member 14 securely in the desired position.

If the work surface device is used in conjunction with an activity thatrequires work tools to be readily available within reach, where the worktools are of the like of a pen, pencil, paint brush, knives, chisels, orsuch, the tools may be handily and temporarily stored in the grommetholders provided for such use, such as suspension grommet holder 40 a.

Although there are many reasons to hold a workpiece in a particularworking position, one particularly common reason is to meet thedifferent needs of right-handed and left-handed persons. This isespecially true when people are writing while supporting the worksurface device on their lab. If, for example, one desires to draft adocument while in a semi-reclined position in bed or in a chair, it isconsiderably more comfortable and convenient for the drafter to be ableto orient the workpiece specific to his or her handedness. While usingthe device of this invention, providing for workpiece orientation isquick and simple. To orient a workpiece, a user simply lifts workpiecesupport 18 so that its alignment pins 18 d are lifted out of alignmentpositioning holes 28 and reposition the pins in the alignment holes thatwill provide for the workpiece to be held in the desired position. Suchdesired positions, as illustrated for example, in FIG. 4, might beachieved when support 18 a is in a horizontal position, having support18 a angled for the convenience of a right-handed person, or havingsupport 18 b angled for the convenience of a left-handed person. Thealignment pins maintain support 18 securely in the desired positionuntil they are again removed from positioning holes 28.

There are many instances when it would be desirable to have a worksurface lap-desk available. One example is when one wishes to relaxafter dinner in an easy chair while working on the crossword puzzle ofthe day. Using the hard surface provided by the lap-desk of thisinvention to work on the puzzle ensures that clear marks may be madeupon the puzzle without tearing the paper. To use the lap desk, onesimply places the work surface device upon one's lap with theergonomically shaped side of the base position against one's body wherethe curvature of the base conforms to the shape of a person's lap. Thiscomfort feature, in conjunction with a user's ability to adjust theheight, the angle, and the orientation of the workpiece provides for theutmost in comfort and convenience while using the work surface device asa lap desk.

Another need that has become widespread in today's world of electronics,is the need for a surface on which to use a laptop computer. The worksurface device according to the teaching of the present invention may beused as a lap-desk to support a laptop or alternatively, the worksurface device may be supported on a table, such as a kitchen table tobe used as a laptop desk. Regardless of where the work surface device ispositioned for use, its use enables a laptop user to adjust the positionof the screen of the laptop for maximum viewing effectiveness and italso enables a user to position the keyboard in an ergonomically correctposition for keying. Although a laptop is often used for recreationalpurposes, it is also widely used for job or school related tasks. Thesetasks normally require diligence and industry. If the laptop computer isnot positioned in a convenient and comfortable position, a user willsoon tire and be easily distracted. Using the work surface device ofthis invention may contribute significantly to the quality of the workproduct produced.

To fold the work surface device for compact and convenient storage ortransport, one need only loosen the wing nuts and fold the three membersof work surface device relative to one another as illustrated in FIG. 3as first member 12, second member 14, and base member 16 are rotably,hingedly connected so as to be easily and rapidly folded together. Whenwork surface device 10 is to be folded for storage or for transport,container holder parts, such as 30 b and 30 c, are removed from holdersupports 34 a and 34 b and placed for storage in storing holder part 32.

Accordingly, it has been shown that the work surface device, asdescribed herein, is easy to use. It is also affordable to make and topurchase. One contemplated means of manufacture is that the devicemembers be mass produced by any molding process, such as a plasticinjection molding technique, although the work surface device could justas well be made of wood, metal, or fiberglass and could be offered as akit or as a finished product. Thus it has been shown that the inventioncomprises a lightweight, portable, multiuse and multifunctional worksurface device adaptable for a variety of uses in a variety ofpositions.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specificand defined nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of theinvention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice theinvention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments arepresented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes maybe made to the features such as shape, color, materials of manufacture,other embodiments, and methods of making the embodiments of theinvention described herein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited tothe described methods, embodiments, features or combinations of featuresbut includes all the variation, methods, modifications, and combinationsof features within the scope of the appended claims. The invention islimited only by the claims.

1. A work surface device for supporting a workpiece, comprising: a. afirst member, b. a second member having a first section and a secondsection, c. a base member, d. said first member rotably hinged to saidfirst section of said second member, e. said base member rotably hingedto said second section of said second member, and f. means forreversibly securely positioning said first member and said second memberat a plurality of angles with respect to each other and with respect tosaid base member, wherein said base member supports said device.
 2. Thework surface device, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a supportmeans for supporting the workpiece on a first surface of said firstmember.
 3. The work surface device, as recited in claim 2, wherein saidsupport for the workpiece further comprises supporting the workpiece invarious positions on said first surface of said first member.
 4. Thework surface device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said device furthercomprises at least one receptacle means functionally adapted for holdinga work tool.
 5. The work surface device, as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid device further comprises at least one holder means functionallyadapted for holding a container.
 6. The work surface device, as recitedin claim 5, wherein said at least one container holder means isdetachably attached to said device.
 7. The work surface device, asrecited in claim 6, further comprising means for storing said at leastone detached container holder means.
 8. The work surface device, asrecited in claim 1, further comprising a first edge of said base membershaped to conform to a shape of a person's lap.
 9. The work surfacedevice, as recited in claim 1, further comprising wherein said device ismade of plastic.
 10. The work surface device, as recited in claim 1,further comprising wherein said device is made of wood.
 11. A worksurface device for supporting a workpiece, comprising: a. a firstmember, b. a second member having a first section and a second section,c. a base member, d. said first member rotably hinged to said firstsection of said second member, e. said base member rotably hinged tosaid second section of said second member, and f. means to reversiblysecurely position said first member and said second member at aplurality of angles with respect to each other and with respect to saidbase member, wherein said base member supports said device.
 12. The worksurface device, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a support forsupporting the workpiece on a first surface of said first member. 13.The work surface device, as recited in claim 12, wherein said supportfor the workpiece further comprises supporting the workpiece in variouspositions on said first surface of said first member.
 14. The worksurface device, as recited in claim 11, wherein said device furthercomprises at least one receptacle means functionally adapted for holdinga work tool.
 15. The work surface device, as recited in claim 11,wherein said device further comprises at least one holder meansfunctionally adapted for holding a container.
 16. The work surfacedevice, as recited in claim 15, wherein said at least one containerholder means is detachably attached to said device.
 17. The work surfacedevice, as recited in claim 16, further comprising means for storingsaid at least one detached container holder means.
 18. The work surfacedevice, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a first edge of saidbase member shaped to conform to a shape of a person's lap.
 19. The worksurface device, as recited in claim 11, further comprising wherein saiddevice is made of plastic.
 20. The work surface device, as recited inclaim 11, further comprising wherein said device is made of wood.